Is Fantasmic less crowded now?

[ExcitedMama]

We saw it last fall with a BB package and it was packed. Now that there’s the new fireworks show and PTN is it less popular? Is it worth seeing from the FP viewing? We will have two nights where my husband can meet us at the park and one where he can’t on our trip. I think I want to do fireworks and PTN with him since those are new. Without him it’s really not worth the price of food on a dining package my kids won’t eat. Plus my 5 year old might not be up to staying up late for it. With my husband there it’s easy to stake out a spot and she can nap but my oldest won’t go for that. If I wanted to try and FP I’m wondering if the view is worth it and how far in advance would we have to stake out seats? Is it still a madhouse trying to leave after? Our worst night on that trip was trying to leave afterwards, DD was in tears and scared by the crush of people. If it’s still like that I’d skip trying.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

It’s not any less crowded as far as I can tell. I just saw it a few weeks ago from the Hungry Bear area (first show).

 

[twitch]

Can you get there early enough to watch from the Stage Door Cafe seating area? The sight lines aren’t perfect (but neither are the sight lines when you’re packed in a crowd!), but you can sit at the tables and eat/snack. Nobody is allowed to stand, and you won’t feel crushed.

 

[ExcitedMama]

What time do you think that would be Twitch? Sounds like a great idea!

 

[agamble]

Can you get there early enough to watch from the Stage Door Cafe searing area? The sight lines aren’t perfect (but neither are the sight lines when you’re packed in a crowd!), but you can sit at the tables and eat/snack. Nobody is allowed to stand, and you won’t feel crushed.

I didn't know this was a thing. How far in advance? My mom and her sister may prefer sitting there in a non squeezed area over having a good view. My kids need us to have a closer view.

 

[DizneyMommy]

You cannot camp out there, you have to be eating. The CM’s were hovering and sweeping when we were last there and stopped for a late snack. I was glad because otherwise we would have had nowhere to eat our redonkulously gross Pixar funnel cake lol

 

[twitch]

On April 9, F! was at 9pm. We had a FP, but at 715 decided to get food at Stage Door before lining up in the FP queue. When we sat down, we realized that we might be able to stay put. I checked with a CM, and was told that we could stay in place, that everyone needed a chair, and nobody would be allowed to stand.

I think we finished eating around 745, and I went back inside to get a couple of Hot chocolates for us to enjoy (and keep warm) until the show.

As always, YMMV.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We saw it last fall with a BB package and it was packed. Now that there’s the new fireworks show and PTN is it less popular? Is it worth seeing from the FP viewing? We will have two nights where my husband can meet us at the park and one where he can’t on our trip. I think I want to do fireworks and PTN with him since those are new. Without him it’s really not worth the price of food on a dining package my kids won’t eat. Plus my 5 year old might not be up to staying up late for it. With my husband there it’s easy to stake out a spot and she can nap but my oldest won’t go for that. If I wanted to try and FP I’m wondering if the view is worth it and how far in advance would we have to stake out seats? Is it still a madhouse trying to leave after? Our worst night on that trip was trying to leave afterwards, DD was in tears and scared by the crush of people. If it’s still like that I’d skip trying.

Yes, F! is still very crowded. The best viewing is from the dining package reserved areas. If you do the Hungry Bear package, the least expensive option, your kids do have the option of ordering food off the regular menu. You will still pay the dining package price, but at least your kids will have more options for food they might actually eat. The HB section has good viewing. As for the crush of people leaving after the show, if you see the first show of F!, you will be invited to stay in your viewing area to watch fireworks afterward. The digital projections will be shown on the water screens and the music will be piped in. Lots of people stay to watch, but lots of people leave, too. It is a nice, not super crowded way to watch fireworks. After that, take your time leaving the area. You can ride HM or POTC (it should be re-opened by the time of your visit) on your way out. Crowds should have thinned considerably by the time you exit. Don't ever leave the F! area right away with everyone else! The trick is to take your time, head for the restrooms by HB, ride one or two rides, grab a snack, then slowly make your way out after the mad crush has already gone. Much safer and nicer.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Twitch, how was the view?

 

[twitch]

Twitch, how was the view?

It was OK. It’s not great... but frankly, I’m not convinced any areas are great. (I do miss the F! theater at WDW). Depending on where you end up, there may be trees in the way, so watch out for that.

I wouldn’t do it if I’d never seen it before, but it was so nice to be sitting for two hours and 15 minutes, as opposed to standing.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I saw them kicking people out of the Stage Door Cafe area quite diligently when I was there a few weeks ago, maybe 70 minutes before showtime? I also don’t think it’s much of a view... seems like it’d be a cool option to stumble upon like PP did, but not a dependable way to view F!

I think that for fireworks viewing, the Hungry Bear area is actually the best spot of the F! packages because you’re at the best angle to see projections and all of the fireworks... the only thing you miss are the things flying above the castle - I caught a glimpse or two, but that’s all.

Not sure if you can see stuff flying from any of the other dining areas...

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Someone told me that for the second fantasmic show they let the general public in to the bb seating area before the show starts. Is this true?

Sorry for the little thread hijack, I had planned on watching fireworks and going to the second f! With my bb dining package but now I'm not sure I want second showing.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Someone told me that for the second fantasmic show they let the general public in to the bb seating area before the show starts. Is this true?..

I haven't heard of this happening. I have seen non-dining package people try to cut into the reserved sections and be firmly escorted out by CMs. There have been reports that on nights when the reserved sections aren't very crowded, all 3 dining areas are put together for the second show. We haven't experienced this yet. But letting non-reserved people into the section? Don't think the dining package guests would stand for it...

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I haven't heard of this happening. I have seen non-dining package people try to cut into the reserved sections and be firmly escorted out by CMs. There have been reports that on nights when the reserved sections aren't very crowded, all 3 dining areas are put together for the second show. We haven't experienced this yet. But letting non-reserved people into the section? Don't think the dining package guests would stand for it...

That's what I would have thought but the person who told me about it sounded pretty sure.